Two weeks ago Pope Benedict XVI, frontman for religious organization The Catholic Church, announced his resignation, citing “creative differences” with the popular act. In the wake of this announcement the Pope has unveiled plans to put more focus on his self-titled solo project. Although a number of his lo-fi home-recorded sermons have been floating around the blogosphere for years now, this is the first time the project has received serious media attention.

The Catholic Church is known primarily for its crowd-pleasing stadium theology, but His Holiness told the press that his solo project would be much different, calling it “more electronic” and citing the trendy Christwave genre as a significant influence.

Though the Pope has yet to release any new material, many critics are already skeptical. Respected indie theologian Josef Cottier, who has been known to use words such as “sellout” and “lamestream” to describe The Catholic Church, has an especially dim view on the Most Holy Father’s actions.

“I think it’s just a cynical attempt to salvage what little indie cred he can after The Catholic Church blew up in the mainstream,” Cottier told sources.

Although opinions and expectations vary, little information exists on the new direction of the Pope’s solo project. It remains to be seen whether this new project will attain the same amount of popularity.